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    Fernando Alonso sends classy message to Lewis Hamilton after F1 legend quizzed over possible retirement

    LEWIS HAMILTON has been praised by Fernando Alonso for inspiring him to carry on in Formula One.Hamilton and Alonso are two of the longest serving drivers on the grid and have nine world titles between them.
    Fernando Alonso gave a classy response when asked about a Lewis Hamilton retirement suggestionCredit: Rex
    Alonso praised Hamilton for inspiring the rest of the gridCredit: AFP
    They had a hostile relationship with one another when team-mates at McLaren.
    However, they have since mellowed out and have a healthy respect for one another.
    Alonso, 42, has not had great luck with many of the cars he has driven later in his career, with few wins to his name despite over-performing in them.
    And when quizzed about whether Hamilton would have retired if he had experienced the same struggles, Alonso was not sure.
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    He told GQ Magazine: “It’s difficult to say. We have different personalities and motivations.
    “Lewis always did really well to stay focused and competitive in the periods of his life when he didn’t have a competitive package.
    “Those periods weren’t many, but he was always performing to a high level.
    “Now he’s not having the best car, Red Bull is dominating, but he’s still fighting always. He’s chasing [Sergio] Perez in P2 and he’s never giving up.
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    “It motivates all of us to see how Lewis keeps the motivation after winning so many titles.”
    Amid Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s domination, Hamilton is staring down a second season in a row without a win after previously winning a race in every season beforehand.
    The next race will come at the Las Vegas Grand Prix next weekend.
    It has been plagued by issues even before the Grand Prix weekend has commenced.
    From furious fans and hospitality workers threatening to strike and scheduling issues and mixed opinions from drivers, it has been far from trouble-free.
    And that is before the weather, which could be as low as 5º C, is taken into consideration.
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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    What is Guenther Steiner’s net worth?

    GUENTHER Steiner has been at the helm of Haas since 2014.But who is he and what is his net worth? From his sporting salary to his family life – here’s everything you need to know.
    Guenther Steiner pictured in October 2023Credit: Getty
    Who is Guenther Steiner?
    Guenther Steiner, born on April 7, 1965, is an Italian-American motorsport engineer.
    He is also the current team principal of the Haas Formula One team – a position held by Steiner since 2014.
    The Italian-American began his career in 1986 as a mechanic in Belgium for the Mazda Rally Championships.
    Steiner later moved from mechanic to assistant team manager when he joined Top Run Srl in January 1989. 
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    There he was was responsible for organising and running private entrants in various rally championships with Group N cars. 
    Following his success in the Group N division of the World Rally Championship with Top Run Srl, Steiner moved to Milan to join Jolly Club Spa as the head of reconnaissance for the Group A team during the 1991 and 1992 World Rally Championship seasons. 
    By 1994, Steiner was Jolly Club Spa’s technical manager.
    Three years later, he packed his bags and made the move to the UK to join Prodrive as the team manager for its Allstar Rally Team.
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    A year later, Steiner was scouted to join M-Sport as the project manager for the team’s Ford Focus fleet that competed in the World Rally Championship, before later being promoted to director of engineering.
    Steiner’s other career moves have included stints as managing director at Jaguar Racing and as technical operations director at Red Bull Racing.
    He left the latter in April 2008.
    However, while at Red Bull, he was contacted to build the Haas team from scratch – a move which has helped him build up an impressive fortune.
    On April 14, 2014, he was officially announced team principal of the Haas F1 Team.
    And his sporting career has continued to open up a number of doors – including when Netflix came knocking, resulting in Steiner appearing in the hit documentary series Drive to Survive.
    The Haas boss was the key character in the first series, which has been responsible for helping propel F1’s success across the globe.
    However, in February 2023, Steiner revealed that he has never watched an episode of the Netflix hit.
    He said: ”I have never watched an episode.
    “In the beginning I didn’t want to watch because I don’t really enjoy watching myself.
    “I also didn’t want to get influenced to change when I am doing something. If you are an actor, you learn from your mistakes.
    “I don’t want to be an actor because maybe every time I see a camera, it may have an effect on how I behave.
    “It sounds very complex but for me it was a very simplistic thought process and now if I start to watch it, it was OK in the beginning, so why go back and change now?”
    Is Guenther Steiner married and does he have children?
    As well as achieving sporting success, Steiner has also been lucky in love.
    The Haas team principal is married to wife Gertraud.
    The couple are the parents of a daughter named Greta.
    Aside from this information, not much else is known about Steiner’s family life with the F1 official appearing to keep is personal life out of the spotlight.
    What is Guenther Steiner’s salary at Haas?
    Being a team principal in the world’s most expensive sport certainly comes with some incredible perks.
    In March 2023, it was revealed that Steiner’s salary at Haas is a staggering £822,500 a year.
    What is Guenther Steiner’s net worth?
    Guenther Steiner’s net worth is estimated at an impressive £4.1million thanks to his motorsports career.
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    However, he also runs a successful composite parts company based in North Carolina.
    Steiner founded the Fibreworks Composites brand in 2009 alongside his business partner Joe Hofmann. More

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    Christian Horner brutally slams Lewis Hamilton’s ‘selective memory’ after F1 legend criticised Max Verstappen

    CHRISTIAN HORNER has hit out at Lewis Hamilton following criticism from the British driver over Red Bull’s dominance. Hamilton has publicly spoken out a number of times about the ease with which Red Bull have dominated this year’s Formula One season.
    Christian Horner has hit out at Lewis Hamilton for having a ‘selective memory’Credit: Getty
    Hamilton has been vocal about trying to make F1 more competitive following Red Bull’s runaway successCredit: Splash
    But Red Bull boss Horner has defended his team and suggested that Hamilton’s criticisms are hypocritical.
    The 49-year-old has slammed Hamilton for having a “selective memory” with regards to his own period of prolonged success with Mercedes.
    Speaking on the Eff Won with DRS podcast, he said: “I feel like he’s got selective memory. So you know, some of the winning that they did in that period was just obscene.
    “We’ve had a good run for a couple of years, but the one guy that shouldn’t be saying that I would think, is Lewis.”
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    Hamilton and Mercedes previously breezed past all the competition in F1 for years with the Brit winning six of his seven World Championship titles during the Silver Arrows spectacular run from 2014-2020.
    Mercedes won a record eight Constructors Championships in a row before Red Bull took over in recent times.
    Hamilton has expressed his feeling around making the races more competitive as Max Verstappen won a third consecutive World Championship this season.
    The Dutch driver has been exceptional this year in what has essentially been a season-long procession for him and Red Bull.
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    Verstappen has won 17 of the 20 GPs this year with his team-mate Sergio Perez winning two himself.
    Hamilton has pleaded with the FIA to do what they can to make things tighter in the future, with concerns around fans losing interest in the thrilling sport.
    He said: “I think, within our sport, we have to continue to work on making sure we’re having close racing because I think you’ve seen the social engagement drop a huge amount this year being that.
    “It’s obviously heavily impacted on competition. People want to see that.
    “So, we have to make sure that we’re making the right decisions, or the governing body is making the right decisions, to keep us close and great racing right to the end.
    “We need more grandstands. I don’t know whether we need to lower the cost but maybe, I don’t know.”
    Hamilton has pleaded to prevent the dominance displayed by Max VerstappenCredit: Splash
    Verstappen has already tied up his third consecutive World ChampionshipCredit: Getty More

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    Inside ‘bizarre’ Las Vegas Grand Prix hit by crippling strikes, fans wanting refunds and it could be coldest in history

    FORMULA ONE will take over Las Vegas for the first time in over four decades next week.Over half a billion dollars has already been spent in a bid to make it the most attractive race on the calendar.
    The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to take place later this monthCredit: Getty
    Over half a billion dollars has already been spent on the eventCredit: PA
    However, the past few weeks and months have presented conflict and controversy.
    With a crippling strike threatened and many unhappy fans already requesting refunds, the event has been thrown into chaos.
    Even the drivers aren’t entirely enthused by the prospect of racing through the streets of Sin City.
    While the Las Vegas GP has the potential to be the most glamorous race of the year, there is a huge risk that fans could leave disappointed and out of pocket.
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    And that may leave F1 in a whole heap of trouble.
    Strikes threatened
    Tens of thousands of hospitality workers in Vegas are said to be prepared to strike ahead of the race weekend.
    The Culinary and Bartenders Union have announced that 35,000 of its members across 18 local properties will initiate a strike if an adequate agreement is not reached with the casinos, hotels, and restaurants that employ them.
    The proposed strike by the state’s largest labour union would mark the first time in 10 years hospitality workers have gone on strike in Las Vegas.
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    Some hospitality workers are threatening to strikeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It could also become the largest hospitality strike in the history of the US.
    According to the Associated Press, a union spokesperson has said that workers currently have health insurance and earn $26 per hour, but didn’t specify their desired pay increase.
    Between 40,000 and 60,000 employee contracts have expired, but they are still working while negotiations continue.
    Although the union has been negotiating with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts for the past seven months, a deal is yet to be agreed.
    Furious fans
    Some F1 fans are said to be “disgruntled” after analysis revealed huge reductions in Las Vegas hotel prices ahead of the Grand Prix.
    Research by Oversteer48 looked at the 22 biggest hotels on the iconic Vegas strip – where the race is set to take place – and compared recent prices to those from last year when the event was announced.
    Some hotels have dramatically dropped in priceCredit: Getty
    While one hotel has stuck with the same rates, the other 21 have reduced them by an average of 58 per cent.
    Contrary to the expectations of F1 chiefs, tickets for the weekend are yet to sell out which is why hotel prices have been slashed.
    Oversteer48’s Alex Gassman also reports that some fans have managed to secure compensation or have rebooked hotels.
    However, others have been left stuck with non-refundable bookings.
    Schedule issues
    The scheduling of the Las Vegas GP has also come into question.
    For the first time since 1985, the race will take place on Saturday evening as opposed to the standard Sunday format.
    Qualifying is set to start at 12am local timeCredit: Getty
    However, due to the time difference fans in the UK will be able to watch on Sunday morning.
    Qualifying for the Las Vegas GP will take place from 12am until 1am local time on Saturday November 18, while the race will start at 10pm.
    That means in the UK qualifying will start at 8am on Saturday morning, with lights out at the early time of 6am the following day.
    Some fans on social media have branded the timings as “bizarre”.
    The coldest race ever?
    Traditionally, F1 races take place in warm climates – but that certainly won’t be the case in Vegas.
    Due to the season and the late start times, it is set to be one of the coldest races in F1 history.
    Tires could prove to be an issue for all teamsCredit: Reuters
    The temperature will likely drop to between five and 10º C which could present several issues – especially with tires.
    F1 tires are designed to offer optimum grip at high temperatures.
    That means low temperatures will lead to a lack of grip on track, which could see some minor individual errors punished.
    That could prove very costly on a tight street track.
    Mixed opinions
    Not everyone is overly thrilled about the prospect of driving in Las Vegas – especially in November.
    Discussing the race, reigning world champion Max Verstappen said: “A lot colder. Street circuit, new for everyone. I think it will be full of surprises for sure.”
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    Meanwhile, former driver Bernie Ecclestone has heavily criticised the event.
    He said: “I’m not really looking forward to it. It has nothing to do with Formula One.”
    Max Verstappen isn’t too pleased about racing at night in VegasCredit: Getty More

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    What is Sergio Perez’s net worth?

    SERGIO Perez is one of the biggest names in Formula One.And with sporting success comes fame and fortune – but what is Sergio’s salary and what is his estimated net worth? Here’s everything you need to know.
    Sergio Perez pictured with Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian HornerCredit: Getty
    Who is Sergio Perez?
    Sergio Perez, born January 26, 1990, in Guadalajara, Mexico, is a racing driver.
    He currently races in Formula One for Red Bull Racing.
    Fans of the F1 star will also know that Perez is affectionally known by the nickname ”Checo” in his home country.
    The sports star has previously driven for Sauber before making to move to McLaren.
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    However, his stay there was short with Perez switching to Force India – where he stayed for five years, taking five podiums before the team was sold and rebranded as Racing Point.
    And it was with Racing Point that he scored his first F1 victory.
    The next career move Perez made was to Red Bull Racing – signing on the dotted line in December for the 2021 season.
    His contract expires at the end of the 2024 season.
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    Aside from racing, the Red Bull driver’s has hinted at a career away from F1 after starring in a shock new music video.
    Perez starred as a taxi driver in ‘Por La Familia’ by Carin Leon and Borderkid, and was seen thrillingly driving Leon from an airport to a surrealist landscape.
    He eventually gets kitted out in Red Bull gear while the make-believe, flame-painted taxi travels to a pit stop at an isolated petrol station.
    Perez said: “Latin music is having a great time. People are enjoying it and it’s great to have our Latin music all around the world.
    “It’s great to have that in the F1 community and within the sport.”
    As of November 2023, Perez boasts a staggering 6.3million fans and followers on Instagram – where he shares smiling snaps from his latest sporting ventures.
    What is Sergio Perez’s salary at Red Bull?
    It’s the most expensive sport in the world – so it’s no surprise that Sergio Perez boasts an impressive bank balance.
    His net worth includes an eye-watering £8.3million salary.
    What is Sergio Perez’s net worth?
    In March 2023, we revealed the 10 drivers at the top of the Formula One rich list.
    Bagging a spot on the list thanks to his bank balance is Sergio Perez.
    Although he may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, Perez has been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.
    He has an estimated net worth of £62.4million – making him one of the richest athletes in the world.
    The Mexican also has investments and an incredible list of endorsement deals, including Ticel, Telmox, and Claro.
    Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.
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    As well as the driver’s rich list, we have also revealed the richest people at the helm of F1 teams. 
    You can get up to speed on the F1 bosses fortunes and finances right here. More

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    Max Verstappen predicts ‘a few surprises’ at Las Vegas Grand Prix with F1 stars taking on spectacular new circuit

    THREE-TIME Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has predicted “a few surprises” at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.The iconic strip is set to play host to F1 for the first time in its stunning new iteration from November 17-19.
    Max Verstappen has predicted “a few surprises” in Las VegasCredit: Splash
    Vegas’ iconic strip will play host to the second to last race of this seasonCredit: Getty
    Speaking to the media following his recent win at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Verstappen admitted that “There’s still a lot to do,” before they made their way to Nevada.
    The Dutchman added: “I still need to go on the simulator. I still don’t even know the track, to be honest.
    “The last time I tried it on the F1 game, I think I hit more walls than I was going straight.
    “So, let’s hope that’s not the case when I start driving there.”
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    The 3.8-mile track is set to include seventeen corners and three straights.
    It will make its way down the legendary strip, past the Bellagio, Mirage, and Caesars Palace while also circling The MSG Sphere.
    The newly constructed street circuit could reportedly see average speeds of 212 mph.
    Verstappen explained: “It’s going to be very different to [Sao Paulo], very low temperatures, of course in the night there.
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    “[It’s a] street circuit, we have no experience there, we don’t know the track grip.
    “All new – so maybe it will give you a few surprises. I don’t know.”
    It would come as no surprise, however, if the Red Bull star clinched his seventeenth win of the season in Nevada given his dominant form this year.
    Downtown Las Vegas also has previously played host to F1 in 1981 and 1982.
    The 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix was the last of the season, taking place on a makeshift course in a car park.
    Alan Jones went on to claim the win for Williams, with Renault’s Alain Prost in second and Alfa Romeo’s Bruno Giacomelli in third.
    The following year, Tyrrell’s Michele Alboreto beat McLaren’s John Watson to the chequered flag, with Ligier’s Eddie Cheever rounding out the top three at his home race. More

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    What is Christian Horner’s net worth?

    CHRISTIAN Horner has become a notable name in the world of Formula One.But who is he and has he always been involved in motorsports? From his impressive fortune to his family life – here’s everything you need to know.
    Christian Horner pictured in November 2023Credit: Getty
    Who is Christian Horner?
    Christian Horner, born November 16, 1973, in Leamington Spa, is a former British racing driver and the current Team Principal and CEO of the Red Bull Formula One team.
    Horner, who became the sports youngest Team Principal at just 31 years of age, has held this position since 2005.
    Principals are the face of their teams and the decision makers who come up with strategies to ensure the success of their drivers.
    He guided Red Bull to their first Constructors’ Championship in 2010 – the same season Sebastian Vettel won the Drivers’ Championship, becoming the youngest World Champion.
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    In 2013, Horner received an OBE for services to motorsport in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, after guiding the Red Bull team to three drivers’ and constructors’ championships in a row.
    At the time, Horner said: “I just feel very honoured and privileged to receive it.
    “To be in the company of men and women who have achieved such great things for the country is something very, very special.”
    Has Christian Horner always been involved in motorsports?
    Prior to landing the Team Principal position, Horner began his motorsports career behind the wheel.
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    The former driver rose through the racing ranks in the late 1990s and enjoyed spells in Formula Renault, British F3 and Formula Two – and even founded his own team.
    However, at the end of 1998 Horner opted to focus on the management side of motorsport and hung up his helmet.
    He then worked in team management before joining Red Bull in 2004 and ascending to the top within a year. 
    In addition to his role as Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, Christian is also an Ambassador for the Wings for Life charity.
    Established by late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz and two-time motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner, Wings for Life is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
    What is Christian Horner’s salary at Red Bull?
    As team principal of Red Bull since 2005, Christian Horner is the highest-paid team boss and has a salary of around £8.2million a year. 
    And he’s got the trophies to show for it, as he’s successfully led the team to nine world titles. 
    What is Christian Horner’s net worth?
    In March 2023, we took a look at the richest people at the helm of F1 teams – including Christian Horner.
    Horner is believed to be worth an estimated £41.4m.
    He has accumulated his fortune over the years through his motorsport career – providing him with fast cash to splash on impressive cars and luxury sun-soaked holidays.
    In February 2023, Horner was spotted eyeing up a a new model – a top-of-the-range £1.7m vintage Lamborghini.
    He was spotted checking out the 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S RHD outside Fiskens historic car dealers in South Kensington, London.
    Just a couple of months prior, Horner shared a loved-up snap of himself and Geri soaking up some sun on the beach, looking back on 2022 and ahead to 2023.
    Is Christian Horner married?
    The Red Bull chief is used to living life in the fast lane when it comes to his career.
    But when it comes to his personal life, the Team Principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
    He shares two stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
    The couple, who have been together since 2014, tied the knot on May 15, 2015, at St Mary’s Church in Woburn.
    The F1 boss bought his new wife Geri a £350,000 Aston Martin as a wedding gift.
    Does Christian Horner have any children?
    Christian Horner is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna.
    The couple also share a son together named Montague – who was born in January 2017.
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    Their son was born on the same day as her Spice Girl’s bandmate Emma Bunton, ironically nicknamed Baby Spice, celebrates her birthday.
    He also has another daughter, Olivia, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen. More

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    Michael Schumacher’s health condition must be kept private – I never discuss it with his son, says F1 pal

    MICHAEL Schumacher’s pal has said his health condition must be kept private and that he never discusses it with Mick, the F1 legend’s son.The racing icon has not been seen in public since his ski accident in the French Alps in 2013, and little is known about his condition.
    Timo Glock (pictured), former F1 driver and friend of Michael Schumacher’s, has said his health must remain privateCredit: Getty
    F1 legend Schumacher has not been seen in public since his shocking 2013 ski accidentCredit: Alamy
    Mick Schumacher, who is in touch with Timo Glock, followed his father onto the race trackCredit: PA
    Speaking to LuckyBlock, former F1 driver Timo Glock discussed his relationship with the Schumacher family.
    He said: ”I keep in contact with Mick Schumacher as he and I get along well.
    “I’ve also known other members of his family for a very long time, but I try not to impose on their privacy.
    “I respect their right to be private, and I don’t discuss Michael’s condition with them.”
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    Seven-time world champion Schumacher suffered catastrophic injuries in the devastating accident.
    Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, has protected the privacy of her husband to such an extent that only their immediate family, and closest of friends know any details.
    Mick, 24, has followed his father’s footsteps onto the F1 track.
    Glock said: ”I think Michael would have supported his son, Mick, in his career and he would’ve shown him around those F1 tracks!
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    “He was, and still is, a great supporter of his children, and he’s still a great ambassador of the sport.”
    Glock, who told of the parties he and Schumacher used to throw, said they had “such good fun” together.
    ”I spent a lot of time off-track with Michael, and it didn’t matter what we did.
    ”Michael kept himself to himself on the track, and he didn’t open up too much. It was, however, the opposite away from the track.
    “He was very open, super friendly, and a really nice guy. People thought he wasn’t!”
    Schumacher’s friend fondly described him as his “hero”.
    ”Micheal Schumacher is the greatest driver ever as far as I’m concerned. He was my hero.
    “He was so influential as I was growing up.”
    One of the racing pro’s former teammates revealed he is “not close” to his former self following the horror accident in 2013.
    Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, ex-Sky Sports pundit Johnny Herbert, who used to be the German’s teammate, hinted that even his friends are kept in the dark.
    He said: “There’s never any news. What we do know is we never hear any positive news.
    “That’s the horrible thought that he is still not able to be close to the Michael that we all remember. And that is very sad.”
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    And just weeks ago Michael Schumacher’s family lawyer finally revealed why the Formula One legend never released a report on his health after his accident. More